Lino Carbosiero, who is based at the prestigious Daniel Galvin salon in central London, was recognised for services to hairdressing.

Mr Cameron's changing hairstyle has often been the topic of much discussion in sketchwriters' columns.

The decision to move his parting from the right to the left in 2007 sparked claims he was attempting to look more "butch" or cover up a receding hairline.

Aides at the time were even quizzed about the move, which some commentators suggested reflected the political direction he was moving his party in, and insisted there was " no political significance in his decision to do so".

Mr Carbosiero, stylist to a long list of stars including Kylie Minogue, Sir Paul McCartney and Dustin Hoffman, revealed that he thought the official letter informing him of the honour was a tax demand.

He told the London Evening Standard: "I was shocked and panicked. I didn't expect the letter so I thought I hadn't paid my tax."

He added: "They (the clients) have to trust you. I have been in situations where people have talked about things and I've not blinked an eyelid," he says. "I don't blab and I'm respected for it."

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "There is an independent process for decisions around honours."